Beren Cross
For someone who wants a cup run, eight changes to Leeds United’s line-up feels a little counterintuitive. However, they all just feel right in the circumstances.
Illan Meslier can carry on because there’s little to no risk of injury or fatigue and he can be the saviour if this rotated side does collapse. Cody Drameh, despite his start with the under-21s tonight, would be in my XI on Sunday too.
If the talented right-back doesn’t start in the cup at the second-tier outfit he used to play for, when does he? Diego Llorente needs minutes and gives Robin Koch some respite, while Max Wober, sharp or not, would get his debut and give Liam Cooper a sit-down in central defence.
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Like Llorente, Junior Firpo is some way from this squad’s strongest line-up, but he needs pitch time and this level of opposition may just allow him the freedom to roam. Darko Gyabi and Sam Greenwood look like a naive double pivot, but they are the next cabs off the rank if Tyler Adams and Marc Roca are to get the protection I want.
It may be an experiment that needs correcting at the break, but the experience would be great for them. Gyabi has the steel and energy, while Greenwood brings the delivery and guile.
Crysencio Summerville and Brenden Aaronson would be two of the three who survive my axe in Wales. Summerville is still sharpening up after a long lay-off and could run riot against these Championship strugglers.
Aaronson is a tougher call. He has looked flat and in need of some inspiration through the last few games. It was almost cruel to see him suffer after giving away that second goal on Wednesday night.
However, my method with the American would be to keep him in and let him play his way back into confidence. Away at Cardiff could be the ideal match to find some belief with a goal or assist where the pressure is off.
Jack Harrison may not be 100 per cent in Marsch’s view, but his impact from the bench in midweek warrants a start on Sunday. An underplayed Joe Gelhardt for a regular like Rodrigo is one of the simpler calls of the weekend.
Beren’s XI: Meslier; Drameh, Llorente, Wober, Firpo; Gyabi, Greenwood; Summerville, Aaronson, Harrison; Gelhardt.
William Jackson
We all know how beneficial a cup run could be for Jesse Marsch’s Whites and therefore I’d pick a strong side to face Cardiff City on Sunday afternoon. Rasmus Kristensen was overlooked last time out against West Ham United and he’ll have a point to prove in South Wales, as will Diego Llorente, who hasn’t started a competitive game for the Whites since October.
The Spaniard looked short of confidence before the World Cup break, but the new contract he signed should be enough to bolster his self-belief and this game could be the perfect opportunity for him. I’d throw Max Wober into the side for a debut, as well.
Wober could have a big say in the second half of the season and an FA Cup third round clash seems the perfect stage for him to make his bow. Tyler Adams has played more competitive football than most over the last couple of months so Darko Gyabi could be a decent option to start in the middle of the park.
The youngster wasn’t involved for the under-21s on Friday night and it would be intriguing to see him in action against Championship opposition. Sam Greenwood plays in the hole, for me, with Brenden Aaronson struggling for form at present, with Crysencio Summerville and Jack Harrison either side of him, despite Harrison’s recent appearance in the middle of the park.
Rodrigo was back amongst the goals on Wednesday night and I’d start him up top. I’d be looking to bring Joe Gelhardt into the action relatively early into the second half, though, and give him the minutes he so desperately needs.
Will’s XI: Robles; Kristensen, Llorente, Struijk, Wober; Gyabi, Roca; Summerville, Greenwood, Harrison; Rodrigo.
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